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Please read BEFORE sending Holiday Cards to our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed or Bethesda …

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Christmas card for a hero ...

Thanks so much for ALL your support this past year with my efforts to support our valiant heroes, both on the battlefield, or here at “home”.  Earlier today on my layover, I had the blessed opportunity to visit some of our Wounded Warriors at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center and participate in a Christmas party thrown by Operation Homefront at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in WA DC.  While at both hospitals, I specifically asked what happens to cards where the envelope arrives without a specific person on it.  

 
The response at both locations was the same.  Since 9/11 and the threat of anthrax, any letters/cards/packages sent to a Military facility without a specific name, are destroyed.  On the internet many people email and say “send a card to “any soldier” or “any wounded hero”.  Please know these fall into the above category.
  
If you or anyone you know wants to (and please, I encourage you to do so!!!) write a Wounded service member, please feel free to send them to me, (or any legitimate organization who says they will deliver them for you, there are plenty of them on the internet) and I will be happy to either hand deliver them to Walter Reed, Bethesda, or forward them on to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany or the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan.  Our troops need and deserve our support and a card is such an easy way to uplift someone’s spirits.  Just write on the envelope “service member” or “wounded warrior” or something like that, and I will know NOT to open it. CARDS for CHRISTMAS must be received no later than 13December for Christmas delivery.  Anything received after this date will still be sent, it will just get there a little late.  (I accept cards all year round to support our Wounded Warriors).
 
Just this week I know there are 7 service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our Nation, from the units I am personally supporting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  My thoughts and prayers are with each of those families and all of those who are suffering from the effects of terrorism.  May there one day soon be Peace On Earth.
 
Thanks so much for helping me spread this information across the airwaves, and a huge shout out to my personal heroes reading this message. 

Happy Holidays …. and remember, if you are a service member who needs support, or you are someone who would like to adopt a hero, please go to :   http://adoptahero.us/ and sign up!!!   

Angel

Always, Robin 
 
 
Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037                    
 
Robin Schmidt chosen as:  ABC World News “Person of the Week” 23 October 2009
 
Robin Schmidt interview on Fox News “Fox & Friends” 22 October 2009

http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/27033608/air-angel.htm

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Angels among us …

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
 

The Sky Angel Santa ...

‘Twas the beginning of August and Santa’s chief elf better known as The Sky Angel was in charge of the Southern workshop. Knowing the time required for Santa’s sleigh to reach Afghanistan, The Sky Angel started to network for the needed donations to make “Mail Call for Our Heroes 2010” a success, for a US Army 101st Airborne Unit, known as “The Gators”. There are more members in this unit than she had ever done a project for in the past and knew it would be necessary to collect at least $3800 US dollars to purchase each of them a calling card for the holidays.

The Sky Angel shopping for our valiant heroes for the holidays ...

When the email call arrived at the Pacific Northwest workshop, chief elf Angel 2 went into action planning a fundraiser for the donations needed in this project and to support 5 other deployed units The Sky Angel has been supporting. Angel 2 contacted Cindy Brown the manager of The Valley Tavern in Port Hadlock, who along with the owners Chuck & Karen Russell generously agreed to host the Fundraiser.  Cindy jumped in to help plan the fundraiser, cooking all the food for the actual event and personally donating most of it.  Meanwhile The Sky Angel continued to rally for donations all over the world both for monetary and actual items to be included in the care packages, rallied to get schools involved with making cards for the troops, spoke at a church near the Southern Workshop, and participated in a book signing with author Steve Flairty, who featured The Sky Angel in his latest book “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes 2”.  

 
 

a bit of "home" for our valiant heroes for the holidays ...

The original  time line to get the calling cards in time for the holidays was to have them shipped to Afghanistan by October 10th (because of the length of time it takes for Santa’s Sleigh to reach The Gators), but for various reasons the shipment could not go out until the beginning of November.  The initial donations received exceeded the “Mail Call for Our Heroes” project goal, even with extra expenses not previously foreseen.  The Sky Angel took care of the calling cards and accompanying Christmas cards from various sources, including the ones she wrote herself.  

 
 
 
 

"Mail Call for Our Heroes" calling cards for "The Gators" of the 101st Airborne ...

Angel 2 concentrated on the Fundraiser and took to the streets passing out fliers for the Fundraiser, collecting items for the silent auction to be held at the Fundraiser, including many handmade items from family and friends, and email networking.  Angel 2 even went to the local gun store, after her husband planted a seed in her head to do so, and was received with open arms, leaving with many donations. Many were skeptical that these would sell at the Fundraiser but in reality they were the most heavily bid on items.  The Sky Angel & Angel 2 as well as their family members and friends were all on site during the Fund Raiser and Angel 2 personally managed the silent auction. 

Posterboard made by Angel 2 for Fundraiser ...

The Pacific Northwest Workshop was now looking like a disaster zone, with Fundraiser paperwork, Christmas cards, and care package donations.  Angel 2 set about finishing up the Fundraiser paperwork and personally wrote over 200 Christmas Cards, then packaged up all the Christmas cards and care package donations, shipping them to the Sky Angel at the Southern Workshop for inclusion in the care packages along with all the other cards and goodies collected.

The remaining funds from “Mail Call for Our Heroes” project were added to the Pacific Northwest Fundraiser proceeds, leaving a generous allotment to fund Holiday care packages for “The Gators” and the other 5 units.  The Sky Angel enlisted the help of one of Santa’s Elves with a pickup truck and purchased a Christmas tree for each unit and all the decorations to put on them.  By this time the Southern Workshop was looking like a cyclone went through it, with Christmas trees, ornaments, Christmas cards, and care package contents spread everywhere. The push was on to finish off the care packages and have them on the sleigh by the first part of November in order for Santa’s sleigh to arrive on time.  Knowing she had to leave in a few days to get back to work, The Sky Angel worked furiously to get the job done of putting together the care packages and hand writing the many remaining Christmas cards to accompany them 1 1/2 days before returning to the friendly skies.  Just as the packages were loaded onto the sleigh, an email request came asking for help with a Marine unit in Afghanistan.  When the Sky Angel communicated with that particular Marine (Marcus), she was told he was more concerned about his buddies in the 3/5 Marines, Lima Co. in Afghanistan, who had suffered tremendous casualties and needing a moral booster Sky Angel style. 

Care package Sky Angel & Tigger style ... whooo whoo who!!

The Sky Angel immediately asked for help from her network of elves, and received a generous donation which enabled her to spring into action and quickly purchase a Christmas tree, all the decorations, Christmas cards and the traditional care package items for the entire 3/5 Marine Lima Company.  The Sky Angel also knew that Marcus’ Marine Unit (MWHS) probably needed a morale boost too, so she matched the donation given for the 3/5 Marines with donations from the fund raiser and her own wallet, sending Marcus and his MWHS Marine unit a Christmas tree, decorations, and whipped up one giant care package for them as well.

Marcus and his Marines are smiling from the efforts of The Sky Angel and all her angels …

The Sky Angel then contacted Marcel Rust of the Rust Family, who sponsors the http://adoptahero.us  website, who is working to get every member of the 3/5 Marines in all the different companies adopted for the Holidays and the remainder of their deployments. This whirl wind operation was completed in a little over one day for our Marines, with the packages being loaded onto the sleigh as The Sky Angel was heading to the airport, to go back to work.

During the course of The Sky Angel’s networking she came across a sweet lady in Alabama who is the mother of one of The Sky Angel’s past adoptees. As it turns out Clara loves to bake, and she has personally taken on the mission of making sure all of The Sky Angel’s Adopted Units have homemade cookies for the Holiday’s.  One contact made an entire case of special unscented soap and donated it to the care packages.   Another contact purchased hundreds of back-scratcher’s The Sky Angel requested, even covering all the shipping too, as the sleigh was already full and ready to depart. 
 
 
 
 

 

Thanks so much for your donations to help deliver smiles to our heroes!!!

Thanks to The Sky Angel, Angel 2, their family & friends, and many very generous big-hearted individuals, the following deployed men and women as well as hundreds of others in their units will have brighter Holiday’s.

(Senior Chief David Lally, Combat Surgical Hospital / Afghanistan)
(Sgt. Morgan Koski, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry / US Army / Iraq)
(Sgt. Will Shawl, B Co. 1-21 IN Battalion / US Army /Iraq)
(1st Sgt Harold Lucas, 3/5 Marines Lima Co / US Marines /Afghanistan)
(Lt. John Paszterko, 1-502 IN 2 Battalion 101st Airborne / US Army / Afghanistan)
(Spc. Ryan Drahman, G-101 Aviation Regiment / US Army / Afghanistan)
(Spc. AJ Kirkendall, TF Brastogne / COP Monti / US Army /Afghanistan)
(MSgt Marcus Dawson, MWHS-3 Det A / US Marines / Afghanistan)
HAPPY HOLIDAY’S AND THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THOSE WHO DO SERVE !
Angel 2

 

 

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Thanksgiving wishes to our valiant heroes …

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!  There are so many things each of us have to be thankful for, starting with my Freedom. Thank you to our valiant heroes who have served and those who continue to making that possible. As we sit at our tables with our families and friends, may we each take time to remember the men and women who are spending theirs in firefights, cold and sandy deserts, and missing their families. Also do not forgot those that gave everything for our freedom, and their families that will not have their loved ones. ♥

This photo was sent to me by Spc. Ryan Drahman who I have supported since we met on a flight in July 2010. It is of U.S. and Afghan soldiers look out from their detachment as their colleague injured from a roadside bomb attack is carried on a stretcher for evacuation aboard a helicopter of "Dustoff" medevac team, Task Force Shadow in Kandahar province, Afghanistan September 27, 2010. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (AFGHANISTAN)

This blog entry is for our valiant heroes, and my way of thanking you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make daily in the name of honor, valor, commitment, and duty.  Below you will find thoughts from random people giving their thanks … may you find comfort in the words, and know this Thanksgiving we are each saluting you, your families and those who love you the most.

“Happy Thanksgiving to all our brave men and women. How can we ever repay you for your sacrifices and service? Please know that we give thanks for you, not just today…. but every day. Stay safe! Stay strong!” Jody

“This is for each and every one of you who have fought, are fighting or will fight to defend our Freedoms and our Country… You might be away from your family during this Holiday Season…. Thank you for ALL you do for us… It is due to your sacrifices that we Stand Tall and are able to live without living in fear… THANK YOU ….” Sheilah

“As we congregate together this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, I wwanted to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.  Your service is a shining reflection, a sacrifice that is sincerely appreciated – one that I am so grateful for.  I can’t imagine what you go through on a daily basis – but know you are supported.  Thank you!”  Mary

“God bless you for your dedication and service to our country! Too often we take our freedom for granted but because of people like you, wee can enjoy living in the greatest country in the world” David

“It is a privelege to write a note of thanks through the compassion of The Sky Angel.  Somehow, saying thank you for your dedicated service to our country seems so insufficient.  As we know, freedom is not free … we have to pay a price and sacrifice for our liberty.  I commend you, your service is appreciated more than I can express.  God Bless You!” Retired LE Officer, Ken

“Thank you for the sacrifices you make each and every day for all of us.  I talked to a soldier today that is leaving for assignment for one year.  He had just said good-bye to his little boy.  I felt his pain, however it also made me realize what you give up to serve our country.  I can’t thank you enough or express my appreciation for being so giving – be safe – good luck, and know you are loved.”  Rhonda

“I am an active duty NCO with a son on deployment overseas. He will be away from his wife, 2 year old son and the rest of his family during this upcoming holiday season.  I too have been kept away from my family and friends on deployment over the holidays.  There is nothing I can say to prevent the feelings of isolation and loneliness you will most likely feel.  All I can say is  stay focused on your dutieis and close to yoru brother soldiers and know your friends and family are thinking about you warmly. Happy holidays, and stay strong.” Joe

“The media on this side of the world is full of stories about Sgt. Guinta, his actions, his honor code, and his dedication to his unit.  I was an Air Force officer, so I undesrstand the military, however, I was never in combat, so I can’t imagine what you guys are going through.  Reading about Sgt. Guinta and how he risked his life to save a brother if only to keep the enemy from taking Sgt. Brennan’s body touched me deeply.  You men have an honor that I can’t comprehend.  You will carry scars from combat, scars from lost friends, and the scar from war for the rest of your lives: and we cannot thank you enough.  My son is ten and when I read newspaper or maagazine accounts of your heroism in battle, I read them to him.  I am sure many other American fathers do also.  If not, I am ashamed for them, because they have no concept of duty or honor or love of country.  I don’t know if you have read Gen Eisenhouser’s letter of D-Day?  If not, you should.  He said ‘Americans and the Allied soldiers were fighting the great crusade against an evil the world could not tolerate’.  That is the battle you men are fighting; most of us over here know that.  My son and daughters know.  History will thank you.  May the true God bless you and protect you.  And if the ultimate sacrifice is made may you find peace of Heaven that knows no comprehension. Thank you.”  Someone who cares.

This photo was sent to me by Spc. Ryan Drahman who I have supported since we met on a flight in July 2010, it is of two soldiers comforting one another after being injured in a roadside bomb attack, Task Force Shadow in Kandahar province, Afghanistan September 27, 2010. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (AFGHANISTAN)

“Thinking of you, my heroes when I count my blessings…I’m grateful and humbled by your dedication and sacrifice. I pray for you, your families and continued safety. May God comfort you while you must be away from all you love and miss. I hope that knowing you are thought of can reach beyond limitations of time and distance and meet you where you are and bring Home to you. God Bless. Your service is a reminder to me that Thanks living is a part of Thanksgiving.”   Dee

“As we all know we can not have the freedoms of Thanksgiving traditions without our troops who fight so hard everyday to make sure that we can. Thank you to all our troops, and those that sacrificed it all just so that we can enjoy our wonderful freedom! Happy Thanksgiving to all our troops and their families♥”  Tracie

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Request from LRMC for Wounded Warrior Ministry

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

The Chaplains Closet, LRMC, Jan 2010

Many of you have asked how you can help with the Wounded Warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.  This request just came in from my contact at the hospital.  The needs are ongoing, and it would help me tremendously if you could ship items directly to the Chaplain’s Closet.  The address is at the bottom of this post.   Thank you so much for reaching out to the staff and the Wounded Warriors, for they are each heroes & each of us can make a difference for them by sharing this information with others and doing whatever we can to help them.  Silvia has included her information, feel free to contact her directly going forward, as well.  As I get updates from the hospital, I will continue to share them with you.  (This post is separate from the list of needs for any of the other heroes I am supporting,  the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan, and visits I plan to make to the Wounded Warriors here in the states.)   Thanks everyone … for helping to make a difference for all of the valiant heroes serving all over the world!

Always, Robin

Wounded Warrior Ministry Center, LRMC

Pastoral Services Division – Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

The Wounded Warrior Ministry Center (WWMC) is an entity within LRMC Pastoral Services that cares for the humanitarian needs of wounded and ill Service Members evacuated from the theaters of operation.  The WWMC provides items of comfort to “fill holes” until the service member’s personal items can catch up with them in the military healthcare system. 

The WWMC services more than 750 service members each month.  Since the WWMC is a non-funded humanitarian entity within the Department of Defense, we rely on the generous donations of fellow Americans and others, both substantive and monetary, to provide these items.  We truly appreciate the efforts of each and every person willing to share “hugs from home” and words of encouragement with those who have given so much for the cause of Freedom in our world!

Below is a list of items Service Members typically request and take from the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center.

This list will be updated periodically. 

  • Winter Coats
  • Unisex athletic shoes, sizes 9 to 11 1/2
  • Phone Cards – United States Domestic Only With No Expiration Date – 120 Minutes
  • Black 30 Inch Duffel Bags (No Logos)
  • Men’s Running Shoes – Size 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 & 12
  • Bath Towels
  • Blankets (In Preparation For Winter Transport)
  • Long Sleeve T-Shirts/Shirts L-M-S-XL(In This Order)
  • Men’s Boxers L-XL-M-S (In This Order)
  • Men’s Slippers (Slip-On Non-Slip) Sizes 8-14  
  • Men’s T-Shirts L-M-S (Not White Undershirts)
  • Sweat Pants L-M-S
  • Travel Pillows
  • iTunes® Cards 
  • iPod Shuffles®
  • Nail Clippers
  • Men’s & Women’s Deodorant
  • Lip Balm/Chapstick®
  • Travel Size Shaving Cream
  • Travel Size Foot Powder (Ex: Gold Bond®)
  • Brushes (Not Combs)
  • Men’s Pajama Pants Sizes L-M-S-XXL-XL (In This Order)
  • Hand-Held Electronic Games
  • Healthy Snack Bars, Chocolate, And Candy
  • DVDs (No Extreme Violence Or Nudity – No VHS Tapes)

***DO NOT send used items***

 Monetary donations to the WWMC fund for Warrior Programming, high-demand and seasonal items are acceptable (please make payable to: Landstuhl Regional Medical Center CTOF)

 Thank you again for your assistance! Working together, we can make a huge difference in the lives and recuperation of our Heroes! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Updated [22 November 2010]

 * You can be placed on the update email list by request.

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Clinical Pastoral Division
ATTN:  MCEUL – CH / Chaplains Office / S. Chabala
CMR 402
APO AE 09180

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Gratitude from 158th CSSB in Afghanistan

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

The Sky Angel & Tigger sending Care Packages to the 158th CSSB

Earlier this year I posted a blog about an US Army unit in Afghanistan who had asked for my help in getting necessary items and boosting morale.  With the support and encouragement, and very kind donations from many sources, we were able to make quite a difference for them.  Here is a letter I just rec’d (sorry to say I still have over 600 emails in my “inbox” and am a bit behind …) that shares my sentiment of gratitude for all we were able to accomplish for the 158th CSSB.  THANK YOU for helping me to make a difference for our valiant heroes!  May none of them ever feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home …

Always, Robin

Your donations directly impact our troops .... THANK YOU!

To make a secure donation towards care packages online, please click on the main page of this website http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ .  Please remember you CANNOT write off your donations for these care packages on your taxes as I still haven’t gotten the 501(3)c status for non-profit, as all the monies are going directly to our troops and not towards administrative stuff.  (anyone want to file for me or pay the $750 fee?  haha).

Any donations you want to make of items, cards for our heroes, cash, gift cards, or checks can be sent directly to me:

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2o37

Thanks again!!

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Thank you and thoughts from Sarah Jane …

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

Last night I felt compelled to share my excitement and gratitude for the chain of events and people who have allowed me to make such a huge impact on our valiant heroes overseas.  This is the email I shared with my contacts, and one of the responses to that email.  With Sarah Jane’s permission, I am posting her thoughts at the bottom of this blog post.  May you be touched by her sentiment, as she brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with her kindness and compassion.

(PS.  Sarah, if you are reading this, I PROMISE I will do as you have asked, and give the next Wounded Warrior or service member I come across on my next visit or flight an extra hug of gratitude from YOU! )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you!
Date: Friday, November 5, 2010, 10:49 PM

The Sky Angel @ Rockefeller Center on her way to "Stand Up For Heroes"

Since returning from vacation to Australia in September, life seems to have been a bit of a whirlwind.  Now that I returned “home” for a few hours, I found myself compelled to take time to THANK those who have given such tremendous support to me over the years, along with taking a moment to salute our service members.  What started out as something very small for me eight years ago, continues to grow with each passing day. (Earlier this year I was dubbed “The Sky Angel” and found the necessity to start a web page with a blog.  Tigger became my mascot and way of honoring our troops in my travels.  Whenever they see him, they know I am saluting them.) Although I have learned a great deal, I truly believe God has a bigger plan for me, and I am open to whatever path He sets forth.  What I feel inside is absolute gratitude for those individuals who sacrifice so very much on a daily basis in order to keep me safe, and protect my freedoms.  It is in that light, that I have had such a fantastic week in visiting with, and honoring them.
Please click on the link to read the blog I wrote about visiting our Wounded Warriors at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland this past weekend. http://www.alwayssupportourheroes.com/WordPress/?p=268

In reading it you I hope you see how my week turned full circle by being invited as a guest by remind.org (Bob Woodruff’s Foundation) to the event “Stand Up For Heroes” in New York City on November 3rd.  The entire week has left me full of energy, gratitude, and asking myself how my life experiences will have the greatest impact for the greater good.  My life was forever changed by being interviewed a year ago by this inspirational man, and the stories of survival I have heard from our Wounded Warriors ever since.  The greatest compliments I will ever receive were given to me by Bob Woodruff by naming me “Person of the Week” last October, and by Steve Flairty including me in his book “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes 2” this past summer.

The sky is the limit, but I know I could not get there without your prayers, donations, and encouragement.  In all that I do, I pray I honor those brave and valiant heroes, because I truly hope none of them ever feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home.  If you or anyone you know wants to adopt a service member, please go to my website to learn how … http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/adopt.html.
Thanks so much for your donations towards my causes, and believing in me every step of my life journey.  May each of us continue to make a difference, in our own ways, every day.  The next two weeks will be filled with sending out the Christmas trees, decorations, and care packages for the various units I am supporting for the holidays.  None of this could have been done without the kind donations from people such as yourself.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Angel
Always, Robin

Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 06:09:48 -0700
Subject: Re: Thank you
To: supportourheroes@live.com
Ms. Robin,
It took a lot of effort to hold back my tears while reading your blog and e-mail. Your level of pride, devotion and gratitude match the overwhelming pride, devotion and gratitude I feel for this country and those who serve. I often tell the troops that I adopt that, even though we have never met before, they are my family and I love them and am so proud of them.
When I saw you on ABC News as Person of the Week, I knew God had answered my prayers; I was raised in a military community and when we left that community, entering “typical civilian” life, I knew I had to stay connected to “my” military some how because as many troops would tell you…. there is a great, unexplainable difference between civilian and military friendships.
So, I thank you for representing our country and those of us whose hearts beat with that pride, devotion and gratitude mention previously. You are representing us well.  I hope someday I too will be able to visit Wounded Warriors so, I can personally thank them… I so often long to hear their stories.
It is frustrating to hear on the news or in my classroom, the everyday “concerns” about which celebrities are getting divorced, which state is wanting to legalize paraphernalia, and the list goes on. I listen to those daily “concerns” of my classmates and I can not help but want to cry and shout in frustration because “how soon we forget.” So many of us go about our daily lives, taking for granted that each second someone is dying or becoming wounded in order to save us and to make it possible for us to sit around discussing tomorrow’s fashion, tomorrow’s game, tomorrow’s school day… we fail to realize that without God and without those serving in the Middle East, tomorrow would not be so guaranteed.
So in closing I would like to ask you if, the next time you visit a Wounded Warrior or even a Non-Wounded Warrior, could you put in a word for me?  Tell him/her that I can not express my gratitude in words but that my gratitude is evident through my watery eyes whenever I hear the National Anthem or the sound of Taps or even when I see the flag flying at half-mass? Could you let them know that I, and so many others like me, love them and are proud of them, please? I would appreciate it so much if you could spread that simple message.
May God continue to bless you and all our heroes!
Take care and I look forward to hearing more about your efforts!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Sarah Jane

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Fund Raiser for Our Valiant Heroes

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Spc. Ryan Drahman met me on a flight in July and I have been supporting him and his medivac unit ever since. They are one of the units who will benefit from this fund raiser for the holidays. (Ryan said this photo was taken by a media photographer, I do not know his name.)

This Saturday, 16 October, from 12 to 5pm (that is 1200 to 1700 for you military folks!  haha), you are invited to my first ever FUND RAISER for the valiant heroes I am supporting overseas.

Where:  Valley Tavern, 21 Chimicum Road, Port Hadlock, WA

What to expect:  My oldest sister (Nancy) has orchestrated a fund raiser for me to help raise money for the heroes I am currently supporting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are partnered with the manager (Cindy) of the Village Tavern for the event, and are planning BBQ and all the “fixins” . What is my role?  To meet as many people as possible… help wherever I can … and of course, schmooz (hehehe) …

After all, I am a flight attendant … I can deliver beer and food all day long! haha

Put on those rubber duckies, and come join us .. rain or shine!   :0

 So … if you want to see my pretty face (because you live in the area and are a friend, and miss me (hehehe) …

or you want to meet “The Sky Angel” face to face   😮  …. 

or you just like good old fashioned BBQ with a bunch of people who support our troops  😮 ….

PLEASE COME BY.  😮   

Of course, if you are a veteran, or current military member, we want to meet and thank each of you face to face !!!  😮

Spc. Ryan Drahman's medivac unit rescued some fellow soldiers, who were wounded in battle, and captured holding hands to comfort one another. (Ryan said this was another photo taken by the same media photographer, I do not know his name.)

 Bring your friends, family, co-workers (you get the idea) …. please feel free to repost this message, and of course, if you cannot make it, you can send donations to my address below.   There will be a silent auction (so if you want to donate an item for this, please contact Cindy at the Village Tavern) … Remember, ALL proceeds equate to donations that will go directly to the troops I support (in Iraq and Afghanistan) via care packages I will be sending to our valiant heroes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

 Bring your check books, cash, appetites, smiles, and hugs … and let’s have a fantastically fun time while we show support to our brave men and women who sacrifice so very much for our every day freedoms.      Also … please take time to write a Christmas (or holiday) card for a hero serving overseas, and I will be sure to include it in my packages, too! Encouragement from back “home” means the world to the members of our Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, Air Force, and Coast Guard! It is my goal, through these efforts and getting others involved in “adopting” a service member on deployment, that none of them EVER feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home! Can’t wait to see you there … amongst the beauty of the mountains, ocean, and of course, some of the most caring and loving people on earth. 

 Thanks so very much for your support .. and a very special note of gratitude to my sister, Nancy for organizing this event with the manager of the Valley Tavern, Cindy.  Your efforts are appreciated so very much, and touch me deeply.  (http://valleytavern.net/)

Always, Robin

PS. if you have any questions, please send me an email to: supportourheroes@live.com

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037

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Silence is golden … especially when it is for our valiant heroes!

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Tigger & the Sky Angel make their mark in Paris ...


There comes a time in everyone’s life, where they have to make decisions that are best for themselves.  For me, being stubborn about what is “right” and having the motivation to do for others … sometimes it is difficult for me to “do for myself”.  However, the time has come for me to listen to friends, family members, and doctors … and take a break away from the “norm”.

This will come as a shocker to some of you (probably moreso to myself!), but I had a dear friend dare me to do the unthinkable today.  She suggested I stay off the computer for the three weeks I am on vacation, and see what God can do.  You see, I am in the middle of my biggest fund raising campaign that I have ever done before.  This years  “Mail Call for Our Heroes”  is for Spc. A.J. Kirkendall’s 101st Airborne Unit that is currently based in Afghanistan.  Thousands of dollars need to be raised so each soldier in the unit will be able to call home for the holidays.  In addition, I am collecting cards for AJ’s unit, along with the other service members I have currently “adopted”.  Extra cards will go to the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan.

People tell me all the time, “I don’t have money to send you, but what can I do?”  Write a card to a service member, and send it to me.  (see the blog  “Mail Call for Our Heroes” for details).  Other people email and ask how to make a donation.  Again, all the details are on the same blog.  While I am taking this much needed vacation, I will be praying for God’s favor with this project.

This “holiday” (which is what people in other places in the world call a vacation) is desperately needed in order to regroup, make some major decisions, and get my health better than it has ever been.  Although I hope I will be missed, I can tell you I will be celebrating life and honoring those who died September 11, 2001.  If you do not realize it, my friends and merely woke up 1/2 an hour late.  Who knows what could have happened … but near death experiences change a person.  My world was completely changed on that day, for the better.  My life is committed to bringing hope to the hopeless, kindness to those in need, compassion when everyone else turns a blind eye, and honor to those who serve our country and the world so valiantly.  My goal is to bring peace to every nation and share Light and Love wherever I go.

While I am living out my dream, and seeing the final “Wonder” on my list … won’t you please take some time to reflect on what is most important to you?   Make that phone call, tell someone you are sorry, say the words “I love you” before it is too late.  Never take someone for granted or leave words unspoken.  Remember each day to look yourself in the mirror and say “I forgive you”.  LIVE WITH INTEGRITY. Repay a loan, say a prayer, shake a hand, hold open a door, smile at a complete stranger … there is so much each of us can do to better our own lives … and I am taking this code of silence to prove a point.

You see, our troops sacrifice so much every single day.  They go for days without bathing (at times), don’t get to eat hot meals after long missions, often don’t have access to the internet, and go without modern conveniences we have all grown accustomed to.  For the next three weeks, I am going to be asking each of you to give up something … a cup of coffee at Starbuck’s … a dinner out on the town … lunch with your buddies … skip going to the movie theater … whatever “extra” you are splurging on … give it up for a week.  Then donate that money to “Mail Call for Our Heroes”.  The cause could not be more admirable … and I know our valiant heroes will appreciate your kindness so very much.

Thank you for believing in me.  Thank you for helping me … but most of all, thank you for allowing me this time to rest.   As of 12 noon on 31Augusts, I will not get back online until I return from the Land of Oz (the last weekend of September) … EXCEPT to check my personal email.  Since no one has an itinerary and only my travel companion knows where we will be, I have to have a way to check in with my loving family.  In addition to that, if one of my heroes needs me, I won’t leave them in a lurch.  Trust me, aside from that one email account (for my family and my heroes), you will not find me breaching this dare … because I believe “this” purpose is far greater than meets the eye!  It’s time to allow miracles to happen, by being silent and listening!

Just as a side note, I will be speaking at Center Street United Methodist Church at 10:30am in Lucasville, Ohio on 26September, if any of you want to come show your support … or purchase an autographed copy of “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes #2” that Steve Flairty so generously included me in.  This amazing author will also be at the church, so please come show your support!

Now, for my friend who dared me to stay off line for the next three weeks … game on!   hehehe

PS.  Please remember Sept 21st is International Peace Day.  Do something to help promote this day of cease fire, deliver humanitarian aid, and bring PEACE to every corner of the world.  My travel companion and I will be volunteering in Sydney on our last day of vacation, as my one day set aside for something other than taking care of myself.

Always,

Robin (aka .. the Sky Angel)

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037

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Mail Call for Our Heroes 2010

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Sgt. Tim Gallagher playing Santa by delivering cards in Dec 2009

Since 2002 I have been ‘adopting’ troops who are on deployment in Iraq, Afghanistan, & other parts of the globe.  The service members have explained to me over and over again, the importance of receiving mail to help them cope with the time away from their loved ones back home.  In an effort to uplift spirits and boost morale over the holidays, “The Sky Angel” is doing my third annual “Mail Call for Our Heroes”.

My goal: To raise $3,480 for 174 Roshan Scratch off Calling Cards (the calling cards needed in Afghanistan).  These particular cards cannot be purchased online or in any store in America.  The second aspect of this project, is to collect 174 individual cards, letters, or notes so each soldier will have a piece of mail to open over the holidays.  It would be wonderful for you to express your thoughts to any of the soldiers in this unit, and make the gift more personal for them.  :o)

To be a part of this special project for our heroes away from home, please send donations (checks should be payable to Robin Schmidt) to the address below.  If you would like to use a credit card or make a donation online, you can do so via PayPal to the email address of supportourheroes@live.com (or clicking on the donate button at the top of the http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ ) .

Once I collect enough donations, I will work directly with Spc.AJ Kirkendall to purchase the Roshan Scratch Off Calling Cards for his unit.  He will be able to put them with the Christmas or holiday cards and have a ‘Mail Call’ for each soldier in his unit.

Santa Sgt. Tim Gallagher delivering smiles to Task Force Dirigo ~ Dec 2009

It seems a little early to talk about the holidays; but I need to act on it quickly so the cards are received in Afghanistan before Thanksgiving and Christmas come to pass. It currently takes 7 to 8 weeks for AJ to receive any mail from me, which already puts time constraints on this project.  If there is a windfall, and I am able to get donations that exceed the need for “The Gators”,  I will distribute  Calling Cards to the other soldiers I have “adopted” and the  Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan.  In order to get the holiday cards to AJ and him to have the money in time, the deadline for this project will be 1 October, 2010.

If each of us takes action … we can change the world … one  life, one person at a time.

Thanks so much for helping make a difference for member of “The Gators” in Spc. AJ Kirkendall’s this holiday season!

Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037


Angel

Always, Robin

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Tigger needs treats!

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Tigger is making his way to Afghanistan for a true hero … won’t you please help to fill his tummy? :o)

One of the soldiers I am currently supporting in Afghanistan has been having a bit of a difficult time. In an effort to uplift his spirits a bit, I went to Tijuana a few months back during my layover in San Diego and bought a Tigger Pinata to send to him.

So you can tell how big Tigger is too bad you cannot see the smiles of the passengers .. they LOVED this experience on the plane ride “home” ♥

Tigger (T eye double guh rrrr) is about 4 feet tall and is going to take probably close to 25 lbs of candy. (that is how much the pinata I sent last year to Task Force Dirigo took).

This will be the 4th Tigger Pinata that has gone to Afghanistan .. nothing like making my own mark on the world, right? whoooo whooo whoo (or whatever that funny noise is that Tigger makes).

From Mexico to the United States .. and soon to be in Afghanistan .. Tigger really gets around! 🙂

If you would like to make a cash donation to assist with purchasing the candy or the shipping of this magnificent care package, that would be wonderful. Or, if you live in the area & want bring me candy (please NO CHOCOLATE … it is 120 degrees over there, and the chocolate will cause everything to melt together), that would be awesome as well. The package containing the Tigger Pinata will not be sent until the 2nd week of August, so it will arrive at exactly the right time.

Sgt. Tim Gallagher’s 39th Birthday in Kandahar, 2009

Please send checks payable to Robin Schmidt, or an American Express Gift Card (for me to purchase the candy or use at the post office) to the address below .. or if you want to donate online, you can do so via my website http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ and click on the “donate” button in the upper right corner.

Tigger made his mark on the 101st Airborne, specifically SGM John Miller, 2008
 
All monies and donations for this particular project will need to be received no later than 11August. (If I get too much candy or cash .. yeah, that would be a dream come true! haha .. I will use it for the other care packages I will be sending to the troops I am supporting at this time).

Thanks a million for being a part of making a tremendous difference .. by helping me to help boost moral for this particular soldier .. and his entire unit!

TTFN (That is Tigger talk for .. Ta Ta For Now)

🙂 Always,
Robin

Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037

PS. please feel free to spread the word or share this request with anyone you know. 🙂

Tigger made on the train from Mexico, to the airplane (the sweatshirt helped protect him through security!) :o)

For each and every one of our active military, veterans, and your families .. THANK YOU for the sacrifices you make or have made to serve our Country all over the world .. this is just one way I know to salute you!  :o)

Somewhere in Afghanistan 2007, for Sgt. Ed Rees

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